Life in Kolkata goes haywire after monsoon rains

KOLKATA – Traffic snarls and waterlogging threw normal life out of gear in this West Bengal capital following heavy monsoon rains for over an hour Monday.

Several schools declared a holiday as the skies opened up in the morning flooding large parts of the eastern metropolis under ankle- to knee-deep water.
The weatherman said the city … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Life in Kolkata goes haywire after monsoon rains.

Showers cool down Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Moderate rainfall Monday in Chandigarh and parts of Punjab and Haryana brought much needed respite from the scorching heat and made the weather pleasant as the temperature fell by two to four degrees, a met official here said.

“This rainfall has lowered down the temperature in Chandigarh and in most parts of Punjab and …. Original source  : Showers cool down Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi to miss its date with monsoon

NEW DELHI – Delhiites can look forward to thundershowers Monday, but will have to wait for a few more days for the monsoon as it would miss its June 29 date with the capital, a weather official said.

“The monsoon (usually) reaches Delhi on June 29 but this time it will hit the capital by early … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi to miss its date with monsoon.

Arsenic in drinking water of millions in Bangladesh, called worst mass poisoning in history

Arsenic water killing 1 in 5 exposed in Bangladesh

CHANDIPUR, Bangladesh – Hanufa Bibi stoops in a worn sari and mismatched flip-flops to work the hand pump on her backyard well. Spurts of clear water wash grains of rice from her hands, but she can never get them clean.
Thick black warts tattoo her palms and fingers, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Despite light rains, another hot day for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi remained hot and muggy Sunday with the mercury above 40 degrees Celsius and the humidity levels high, despite light showers early in the day. Monday is expected to be the same, though light rains or thundershowers are forecast, weather officials said.

The maximum temperature was 41.1 degrees Celsius, one degree above the …. Read the original article  : Despite light rains, another hot day for Delhi.

Amputee cat gets prosthetic legs

LONDON – In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a cat that had its hind feet severed by a harvester has been given two prosthetic limbs by a British vet.

The new custom-made implants, which joined the cat’s ankles to the feet, were surgically attached by Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinary surgeon based in Surrey, the BBC reported.
The … Read : Amputee cat gets prosthetic legs.

Another hot day in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA – The hills of Himachal Pradesh experienced another hot day Sunday with the state capital Shimla recording a maximum temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius, a met official said.

The high temperature in Shimla, situated at an altitude of 2,130 metre, was 3.2 notches above average. It had recorded a high of 26.4 degrees Celsius Saturday. … Read more : Another hot day in Himachal Pradesh.

Oprah Winfrey embroiled in vote-rigging scandal

MELBOURNE – Oprah Winfrey, known for reporting others’ scandals, is now embroiled in a vote-rigging scandal in her search for the next great TV star.

The talk-show queen’s website is accused of fixing results against a disabled contestant in a competition to find the next great TV star.

People are contending for a chance at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oprah Winfrey embroiled in vote-rigging scandal.

Universal grammar rule that applies to all languages

LONDON – People who have tried learning a new language know how difficult it is to learn a different grammar. But now, experts have said that there are some grammatical rules that can be applied to all languages.

Norvin Richards of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has proposed a universal rule linking intonation with where …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wikipedia becomes home base for paedophiles

WASHINGTON – An investigation has revealed that Wikipedia has become a home base for a worldwide network of paedophiles.

According to the investigation, paedophiles are campaigning on the famous online encyclopaedia and are trying to lure more and more people.

Chat room posts on Wikipedia are used by pedophiles to further their agenda.

Message board posts often include … Read more »»».

Global wind-shift caused Earth’s last ice age to end

WASHINGTON – A global shift in winds is what led to the end of Earth’s last ice age- an event that ushered in a warmer climate and the birth of human civilization.

It is believed that, in the geological blink of an eye, ice sheets …. Original source  : Global wind-shift caused Earth’s last ice age to end.

Gene behind four-leaf clover discovered

WASHINGTON – The gene that turns ordinary three-leaf clovers into the coveted and ‘lucky’ four-leaved ones has been found.

Masked by the three-leaf gene and strongly influenced by environmental condition, molecular markers now make it possible to detect …. Read the original article  : here.

Plants too show intelligence in capturing nutrients

TORONTO – Researchers have discovered that a plant’s strategy to capture nutrients in the soil is the outcome of integrating different types of information.

University of Alberta ecologist J.C. Cahill says that the plant’s strategy mirrors the daily risk-versus-reward dilemmas that animals experience in their quest for food.
Biologists established long ago that an animal uses …. Source  : Plants too show intelligence in capturing nutrients.

How our inner clock copes up with jet lag

WASHINGTON – In a rodent study, researchers have shown how individual “clock” genes and the internal clocks of the different organs synchronise with the new external time in the case of jet lag.

Travelling across different time zones makes our internal body clocks go haywire.

Scientists at the Max …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : How our inner clock copes up with jet lag.

‘Doubters’ of climate change lack expertise: Study

WASHINGTON – Scientists who doubt that human beings have contributed significantly to climate change have far less expertise and prominence in climate research as compared to scientists who are convinced, according to a study led by Stanford researchers.

In a quantitative …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Doubters’ of climate change lack expertise: Study.

Now, lizard-like robot that ’swims’ through sand

LONDON – Scientists have designed a lizard-like robot that can ’swim’ through sand.

The robot, which could help find people trapped in the loose debris resulting from an earthquake, is being called Scincus scincus by Daniel Goldman and Ryan Maladen’s team at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Once the 35-centimetre-long sandfish is submerged, it tucks … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Now, lizard-like robot that ’swims’ through sand.

New protein complex that regulates 4000 genes in fruit fly identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified a novel protein complex that regulates around 4000 genes in the fruit fly Drosophila and likely plays an important role in mammals, too.

“This new complex seems to be one of the major regulatory complexes both in Drosophila and in mammals,” says Asifa Akhtar, former EMBL group leader and now at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New protein complex that regulates 4000 genes in fruit fly identified.

Mechanism that may trigger degenerative disease discovered

WASHINGTON – Scientists say that a mechanism, which regulates stem-cell differentiation in mice testes, suggests a similar process that may trigger degenerative disease in humans.

By manipulating STAT3 – a protein that signals stem cells to decide differentiation – researchers identified a key regulator of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal.

STAT3 protein regulates genes that are involved …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mechanism that may trigger degenerative disease discovered.

New test for bladder cancer diagnosis

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a novel assay to test for multiple tumor markers in bladder cancer.

Methylation specific-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplication (MS-MLPA) can be used to screen multiple target sequences simultaneously in a single reaction, allowing … Read more »».

Vitamin D vital for cognitive function

WASHINGTON – Scientists have contributed to a limited but growing body of evidence of a link between vitamin D and cognitive function.

The study was led by epidemiologist Katherine Tucker with the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vitamin D vital for cognitive function.

Even midnight sun won’t convince bees to work nights

LONDON – Bees observe a strict working day, even in conditions of 24-hour sunlight, research shows.

Researchers tagged worker bumblebees with a radio identifier, similar to an Oyster Card, which was used to monitor their movements during the constant light of the Arctic summer.
Ralph Stelzer and Lars Chittka from Queen Mary University of London, …. Original article  : Even midnight sun won’t convince bees to work nights.

How fast can you gauge when she is looking at you?

LONDON – How fast you can judge whether a person of the opposite sex is looking at you depends on how masculine or feminine they look, according to a new study.

The researchers speculate that there may be an evolutionary advantage to quickly noticing when a hottie is looking at you.
Psychologists have debated how …. Original article  : How fast can you gauge when she is looking at you?.

New formula determines accurate peak heart rate for women

WASHINGTON – A new formula, based on a large study, provides a more accurate estimate of the peak heart rate a healthy woman should attain during exercise.

It also will more accurately predict the risk of heart-related death during a stress test.
“Now we know for the first time what is normal for women, …. Source article  : New formula determines accurate peak heart rate for women.

Surgery not a treatment option for every patient with herniated disk

WASHINGTON – A herniated disk is one of the most frequent causes of low back and leg pain in adults, but not everyone needs to go for surgery, according to a literature review.

Led by Joseph Lee, the review claimed that … Original article on : Surgery not a treatment option for every patient with herniated disk.

‘Copy-and-paste DNA’ more common than previously believed

WASHINGTON – Movable sequences of DNA-also known as ‘Copy-and-paste DNA’-which give rise to genetic variability and sometimes cause specific diseases, are far more common than previously thought, according to researchers at the University of Leicester.

For the study, Dr Richard Badge and his collaborators examined L1 (or LINE-1) retrotransposons- …. Original article  : ‘Copy-and-paste DNA’ more common than previously believed.

Hidden secrets of world-famous paintings revealed via science

WASHINGTON – The hidden secrets of some of the world’s most famous paintings have been revealed, and the credit for the feat goes to a partnership between EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and the National Gallery.

Culminating in the first major exhibition of its kind in summer 2010, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hidden secrets of world-famous paintings revealed via science.

Endometriosis compromises women’s work productivity

WASHINGTON – In the first of its kind study of the societal impact of endometriosis, researchers have found a significant loss of work productivity among those women who suffer from the condition.

Dr. Kelechi Nnoaham, from the Department … Original article on : Endometriosis compromises women’s work productivity.

Yawning ‘reveals sexual desire’

WASHINGTON – The next time you yawn, beware – you could be sending out an erotic message to someone sitting close to you – say experts.

Academics from Europe, the U.S., India and the Middle East attended the first ever International Conference on Yawning …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Soon, a ‘pacemaker’ for the brain

WASHINGTON – Israeli scientists are trying to develop a chip that will allow doctors to wire computer applications and sensors to the brain, aiding the treatment of disorders such as depression or Parkinson’s disease.

The … Read more >>>.

Heart risks linked to diabetes drug

WASHINGTON – A recent study has revealed that the use of diabetes drug rosiglitazone is associated with an increased risk for heart attack.

Rosiglitazone was approved in 1999 to treat hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) among patients with type …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Government hikes compensation amid elephant menace

RAIPUR – Amid rising cases of killings of forested residents by wild elephants, Chhattisgarh Tuesday increased the compensation amount for families in three worst man-elephant conflict districts.

“The amount has been increased to Rs.150,000 from Rs.100,000 to the family if a member is killed in elephant attacks in Jashpur, Koria and Surguja districts,” an official statement … Read more : Government hikes compensation amid elephant menace.

Gene leads to longer shelf life for tomatoes, other fruits

WASHINGTON – A researcher has found a gene that slows down the ageing process in tomatoes and extends their shelf life by a week.

Avtar Handa, professor of horticulture, Purdue University, found that adding a yeast gene increases production of a compound that slows ageing and delays microbial decay in tomatoes.
“We can inhibit the … Read : Gene leads to longer shelf life for tomatoes, other fruits.

Elders watch more TV than younger people

WASHINGTON – Contrary to popular belief, older adults watch more TV than children or teenagers and it is not good for them either, a study has revealed.

Researchers at the Stein Institute for Research on Ageing, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) examined TV use in a large, nationally representative sample that was collected by … Read more »».

Scientists breed world’s most perfect prawn

WASHINGTON – After a decade of painstaking research and breeding, scientists at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian prawn industry have successfully bred what may be called the world’s most perfect prawn.

The new, improved Black Tiger prawns have bagged five gold medals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists breed world’s most perfect prawn.

New discovery paves way for early detection of Alzheimer’s

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered changes in the brains of normal individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease that could prove important for early detection of the disease.

The research team at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine, led by Brian Gold, associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology, focused on the brain’s white matter, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ancient Mayans were master rubber makers 3500 years ago

WASHINGTON – Mesoamericans were the first polymer scientists – they made rubber from latex nearly 3,500 years long before modern vulcanisation was invented.

According to a new research, by a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pre-Hispanic peoples not only invented rubber, but also perfected techniques of chemical processing to enhance its properties.

They …. Source  : Ancient Mayans were master rubber makers 3500 years ago.

Gulf ‘dead zone’ area over 6500 sq miles, oil spill impact unclear: Experts

WASHINGTON – Experts claim that the Gulf of Mexico ‘dead zone’ is expected to be between 6,500 and 7,800 square miles, an area roughly the size of Lake Ontario.

The 2010 forecast, released today by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), would make it the Gulf’s 10th-largest oxygen-starved, or hypoxic, region on record.

It is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Gulf ‘dead zone’ area over 6500 sq miles, oil spill impact unclear: Experts.

Underwater creatures may hold key to malaria cure

WASHINGTON – A research team, including an Indian-origin boffin, has revealed that sponges, sea worms and other underwater creatures may hold the key to cure for malaria.

University of Central Florida scientist Debopam Chakrabarti is analyzing more than 2,500 samples from marine organisms collected off deep sea near Florida’s coast. Some of them could hold the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Underwater creatures may hold key to malaria cure.

Here’s how memories are made

WASHINGTON – A new study, led by researchers at the University of Leicester, has uncovered for the first time the mechanism by which memories are formed.

The study in the Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology identified one of the key proteins involved in the process of memory and learning. The research has potential to impact …. Read the original article  : here.

Tooth regeneration gel could make painful fillings history

WASHINGTON – A new gel that encourages growth of cells inside teeth that have cavities could replace the painful procedure of fillings.

The new gel or thin film could eliminate the need to fill painful cavities or drill deep into the root canal of an infected tooth. Instead of a drill, the gel against an infected … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tooth regeneration gel could make painful fillings history.

Age doesn’t always affect decision-making

WASHINGTON – When it comes to making intuitive decisions, older adults fare as well as their juniors, a new study shows.

Researchers from North Carolina State University (NCSU) tested groups of young adults (aged 17-28) and community-dwelling older adults (aged 60-86) to see how they fared when making decisions based on intuitive evaluation.
Participants were …. Source  : Age doesn’t always affect decision-making.

Excess oxygen could slow formation of wrinkles

WASHINGTON – An overdose of oxygen could help reduce wrinkle formation by lessening tissue damage due to UVB rays, according to a Japanese study.

In the study, mice that were placed in an oxygen chamber after exposure to UVB radiation developed fewer wrinkles and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Excess oxygen could slow formation of wrinkles.

Ten millennia old hunting weapon discovered in melting ice patch

WASHINGTON – A University of Colorado at Boulder researcher has discovered a 10,000-year-old wooden hunting weapon in a melting ice patch in the Rocky Mountains close to Yellowstone National Park, US.

According to Craig Lee, a research associate with CU-Boulder’s Institute …. Read the original article  : Ten millennia old hunting weapon discovered in melting ice patch.

One side of your brain can be more motivated than the other

WASHINGTON – When it comes to rewards, one side of your brain can be motivated more than the other, according to a study.

Psychologists used to think that motivation was a conscious process-You know you want something, so you try to get it.

But in a previous … Original source on Gaea Times at : One side of your brain can be more motivated than the other.

Advance made towards identifying organic molecules on Titan

WASHINGTON – An experiment, conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, is helping scientists identify the organic molecules that might exist on Saturn’s moon Titan.

Earth and Titan are the only known planetary-sized bodies that have thick, predominantly nitrogen atmospheres, … Original article on : Advance made towards identifying organic molecules on Titan.

Dental patterns as accurate as DNA

LONDON – A person’s dental patterns can identify a person as accurately as DNA testing in forensics.

Researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) in Spain came to this conclusion after analysing the dental patterns of more than 3,000 people.
“There is sufficient dental diversity between people to enable a scientifically-based human identification method to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dental patterns as accurate as DNA.

A frog’s vibes attracts mates

SYDNEY – Unlike his peers, the red-eyed tree frog does not croak the loudest or make pretty sounds to attract mates but generates vibes to improve its romantic prospects.

The discovery has been made by Flinders University (Australia) senior lecturer and conservation biologist Gregory Johnston and colleagues from Boston University in the US.
They discovered …. Original source  : A frog’s vibes attracts mates.

Why we can’t resist a sinful, dark chocolate cake

WASHINGTON – Scientists have revealed why is it that despite being on a strict diet, some of us can’t help taking a bite of that sinful, dark chocolate cake.

Professor Ray Dolan and his colleagues have shown that increased levels of dopamine – a chemical in the brain involved in mediating reward, motivation, and learning through … Read more : Why we can’t resist a sinful, dark chocolate cake.

In i-Pad era, typewriters still go clickety clack

NEW DELHI – Ravi Robinson has been in love with his rusty but dependable typewriter for 40 long years and the bonds still go strong. In the era of the futuristic i-Pad and compact and high-speed laptop computers, Robinson has no intention of letting go the rickety machine that is his sole source of … Read more »»».

Textaphrenia, textiety, are just a few disorders text addicts suffer

MELBOURNE – A study has revealed that Australian teenagers who are “text addicts” are suffering from a range of serious mental and physical disorders.

The study into youth communication habits identified the risks teens face from texting excessively every day, and the symptoms included anxiety, insecurity, depression, low self-esteem and “repetitive thumb syndrome”.

According to figures …. Original source  : Textaphrenia, textiety, are just a few disorders text addicts suffer.

Soon, a Hawaii-sized eco island made entirely from plastic bottles

LONDON – A team of Dutch scientists are planning to make an island the size of Hawaii entirely from 44million kg of plastic waste.

Recycled island, which is part of an environmental vision for the future, will be made from plastic waste currently bobbing around in the Pacific Ocean.

Solar and wave energy will be used to … Read more >>>.

Did small size prompt the theft of King Tut’s penis?

NEW YORK – Tutankhamun’s penis could have been stolen because the Egyptian boy king was allegedly less-than-endowed.

According to Time magazine, a report in The New Scientist presents the possibility of an anatomical conspiracy.

However, what happened to Tut’s member isn’t the only mystery enshrouding the 19-year-old royal.

Scientists are still debating the cause of his death, …. Source article  : Did small size prompt the theft of King Tut’s penis?.

What helps plants go green?

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found a central part in the machinery that turns plants green when they sense light.

Plants, according to Meng Chen, an assistant professor of biology at Duke, have two different systems to take advantage of light.

The first one is chloroplasts that turn sunlight into fuel via photosynthesis.

The other is a system …. Read the original article  : here.

High doses of caffeine boost performance: Study

WASHINGTON – Scientists have shown that high doses of caffeine directly increase muscle power and endurance during relatively low-intensity activities.

Scientists from Coventry University believe that the findings may lead to the use of caffeine in sport to improve performance.

Currently, caffeine is not considered as a banned substance at any concentration in blood or urine samples.

A … Original article on : High doses of caffeine boost performance: Study.

Genetically defective mice to help understand human depression

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that the strain of genetically defective mice is a useful animal model for laboratory studies that could be useful for understanding human depression.

A unique strain of laboratory mice could have behavioural, hormonal, and neurochemical characteristics that are similar to those of human patients with drug-resistant forms of depression. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Genetically defective mice to help understand human depression.

Why some plants flower in spring while others in summer

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found out that why some plants flower in spring/autumn and some in summer.

A team of researchers from Warwick have isolated a gene responsible for regulating the expression of ‘Constans’, an important inducer of flowering, in Arabidopsis.

‘Being able to understand and ultimately control seasonal flowering will enable more predictable flowering, better …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Why some plants flower in spring while others in summer.

Study shows utility of floating wind turbines

WASHINGTON – The scientists have invented floating ocean-based wind turbines, which could be the next big thing in the renewable energy solutions.

While offshore turbines already have been constructed, they’ve traditionally been situated in shallow waters, where the tower extends directly into the seabed.

This restricts the turbines to near-shore waters with depths no greater than … Original article on : Study shows utility of floating wind turbines.

Canada geese that forced plane’s Hudson River landing still flying near NY airport runways

Geese behind plane’s NY river landing still around

NEW YORK – Canada geese are still free to take off around New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport more than a year after they collided with an airliner and forced it to land in the nearby Hudson River. They’re at the center of a government vs. government … Read more : Canada geese that forced plane’s Hudson River landing still flying near NY airport runways.

Original HIV infection holds its sway despite numerous changes

WASHINGTON – Viruses like the HIV undergo several changes in a bid to evade the body’s immune system but even months later the original version that caused the infection still maintains a presence in the host’s body, new research reveals.

The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is based on … Read : Original HIV infection holds its sway despite numerous changes.

Drizzle expected in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Drizzle is expected Wednesday, but Delhiites will have to wait for another two to three days for the monsoon rains, the weatherman said.

“Duststorm is expected. Even drizzle can occur towards the end of the day. Pre-monsoon showers can come, but monsoon rains will arrive after two to three days,” said an official …. Source article  : Drizzle expected in Delhi.

Scientists develop new strategy that may improve cognition

WASHINGTON – US scientists have developed a new strategy that has the potential to improve cognition.

For the first time, scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have linked a brain compound called kynurenic acid to cognition, possibly open doors for new ways to enhance memory function and treat catastrophic brain diseases.

When researchers decreased … Original source on Gaea Times at : Scientists develop new strategy that may improve cognition.

Global warming started with ancient hunters: Study

WASHINGTON – Man made global warming is not a recent phenomenon, but one that started when ancient hunters roamed the planet, suggests a new study.

The study claims that massive killings of mammoths lent to the planet’s warming.

According to Doughty, Adam Wolf, and Chris Field-all at Carnegie Institution for Science – normally, mammoths would have grazed …. Source article  : Global warming started with ancient hunters: Study.

Fasting curbs production of fat, cholesterol

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found that fasting causes a an enzyme to stop generating fats and cholesterol.

The study describes how SIRT1, one of a group of enzymes called sirtuins, suppresses the activity of a family of proteins called SREBPs, which control the body’s synthesis and handling of fats and cholesterol.

The research by investigators at Massachusetts … Read more »»».

Beverages can help track location

WASHINGTON – Consuming beverages may leave a chemical imprint in your hair that could be used to track your travels over time, says a study.

The findings are believed to be the first concerted effort to describe the use of beverages as a potential tool in investigating the geographic location of people.
Lesley Chesson …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Beverages can help track location.

‘Plug the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico with magnets’

WASHINGTON – A Palm Bay company has suggested ‘plugging’ the oil leakage pipe with magnets in Gulf of Mexico to stop the spill.

Chief Scientist Rainer Meinke of Advanced Magnet Lab demonstrated his idea through a miniature model of the Gulf oil spill, by using a koi pond, a pump, some two-by-fours, clamps, tubing, and a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Worker ants can lay eggs in queen’s absence

WASHINGTON – Worker ants separated from the queen develop large ovaries in preparation for laying eggs, Danish researchers have demonstrated.

For the study, researchers from the Centre for Social Evolution at the University of Copenhagen identified a candidate queen pheromone in the black garden ant.

Thereafter, they made a synthetic copy of the pheromone … Read : Worker ants can lay eggs in queen’s absence.

Archaeologists fail to find secret burial site at Seti I tunnel’s end

LONDON – The four decade long wait finally ended as archaeologists reached the end of the mysterious tunnel in the tomb of Seti I. But hopes that the advance would lead to the pharaoh’s secret burial site shattered, when the seemingly unfinished tunnel suddenly came to an end after 174m.

Giovanni Belzoni discovered the tomb, …. Original source  : Archaeologists fail to find secret burial site at Seti I tunnel’s end.

Experiencing different cultures boosts creativity

WASHINGTON – Experiencing cultures different from one’s own can enhance creativity, according to a new research.

Three studies looked at students who had lived abroad and those who hadn’t, testing them on different aspects of creativity.

Relative to a control group, which hadn’t experienced a different culture, participants in the different culture group provided more evidence …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

How honey kills bacteria

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified a secret ingredient in honey that kills bacteria.

They have found that bees make a protein that they add to the honey, called defensin-1, which could one day be used to treat
burns and skin infections and to develop new drugs that could combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

“We have completely elucidated the molecular [..] Read the original article: here.

Fearsome Moby Dick whale packed a mean bite 13 mln years ago

LONDON – Researchers have discovered the fossilised skull of a mighty whale with a killer bite. According to the team, the beast could have shared the Miocene oceans with a giant shark.

Klaas Post of the Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam, the Netherlands, came across the sea monster’s bones in Peru’s Ica desert. These bones are nearly 12 …. Read the original article  : here.

Now, a device that rocks insomniacs to sleep

MELBOURNE – A device, which can simulate the same rocking motion that parents use to put babies to sleep, has been developed in Australia to help insomniacs get their required rest.

The device, Philips Sleepwave, is attached to the mastoid bone behind the ear using a sensor cable and it works by sending electric pulses …. Source  : Now, a device that rocks insomniacs to sleep.

Scientists stumble on complex life form

LONDON – The discovery in Gabon of more than 250 fossils in an excellent state of conservation has provided proof, for the first time, of the existence of multicellular organisms 2.1 billion years ago.

This finding represents a major breakthrough: until now, the first complex life forms (made up of several cells) dated from around …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists stumble on complex life form.

Grab 40 winks to remember better

WASHINGTON – Think of your to-do list and then ’sleep on it’ to remember better, suggests a new study.

Psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis said that people who sleep after processing and storing a memory carry out their intentions much better than people who try to execute their plan before getting to sleep.

Researchers Michael … Read : Grab 40 winks to remember better.

Now, you can go ‘green’ even after your death

WASHINGTON – People who care for the environment can contribute after their death too – by opting for eco-friendly method of burial or cremation.

Entrepreneurs in Europe have developed two new and unusual methods of body disposal – including a low-heat cremation method and a corpse compost method that turns bodies into soil – both safe …. Read the original article  : here.

Software that automatically deciphers ancient language developed

WASHINGTON – A computer successfully deciphered an ancient language Ugaritic in just a couple of hours.

Regina Barzilay, an associate professor in MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Ben Snyder, a grad student in her lab, and the University of Southern California’s Kevin Knight are the creators.

Her work could not only help archaeologists translate other … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Software that automatically deciphers ancient language developed.

New Zealand greenhouse gas pricing system takes effect, immediately lifts gas, power prices

NZ carbon price system hikes household costs

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New carbon-trading laws intended to reduce climate-changing pollution emissions took effect Thursday in New Zealand, immediately sending gas prices higher.
Under the scheme, companies are given a pollution allowance, an amount of greenhouse gases they can emit without penalty. If they emit more than allowed, they … Read more >>.

Ostriches’ flying technique provides clues to dino moves

WASHINGTON – The way ostriches use their limbs and wings may provide clues about how its dinosaur ancestors moved, say researchers.

German scientists said that wing-use and hind limb function in ostriches might help palaeontologists in their quest to reconstruct locomotor techniques in bipedal (two-legged) dinosaurs.

Their study shows that these giant birds consistently use their wings …. Source  : Ostriches’ flying technique provides clues to dino moves.

Why some apples grow larger than others

WASHINGTON – A variety of apples grow larger than others because of the absence of cell division, a new American study reveals.

The research by Peter Hirst, a Purdue University associate professor of horticulture, established that a new variety, called Grand Gala, is about 38 percent heavier and has a diameter 15 percent larger than regular … Original article on : Why some apples grow larger than others.

Subtle mutations in immune gene may increase asthma risk

WASHINGTON – A gene responsible for determining whether certain immune cells live or die shows subtle differences in some people with asthma, as per a new study.

The gene encodes a protein called Siglec-8 present on the surfaces of a few types of immune cells. Usually they protect the body and keep it healthy, but can …. Read the original article  : Subtle mutations in immune gene may increase asthma risk.

Delhiites to sweat it out yet again

NEW DELHI – Delhi will remain hot and muggy Thursday with the mercury expected to touch 42 degrees Celsius and the humidity levels high despite light showers the day before.

“Even though light rains or thundershowers are predicted in some areas of the capital later in day, the weather will remain hot and humid,” an …. Read the original article  : Delhiites to sweat it out yet again.

Why killer whales and human females stop breeding early?

LONDON – The evolutionary mystery of menopause is a step closer to being solved, thanks to new research on killer whales.

A study by the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge has found a link between killer whales, pilot whales and humans – the only three known species where females stop breeding relatively early in their lifespan. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Why killer whales and human females stop breeding early?.

How do we recognise people at first glance?

LONDON – Scientists have tried to explain how human beings recognise faces of their own kind at first glance — be it a nice waitress in the coffee shop around the corner, the bus driver or colleagues at the office — but not those of other species.

Monkeys also possess the remarkable ability to differentiate faces …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : How do we recognise people at first glance?.

Anti-aging pill shows hope in female infertility

WASHINGTON – Taking anti-aging pills could improve the chances of conception in infertile women, says a study.

Adrian Shulman, professor of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, has found a connection between the vitamin supplement DHEA, used to counter the effects of aging, and successful pregnancy rates in women.
DHEA is a naturally-occurring steroid found [..] Read the original article: here.

Tibetans underwent ‘fastest genetic change’ in human history to thrive at high altitude

WASHINGTON – Tibetans split off from the Han Chinese some 3,000 years ago and since then rapidly developed a unique ability to thrive at high altitudes and low oxygen levels, researchers have ascertained after comparing the genomes of 50 Tibetans and 40 Han Chinese.

The genome-wide comparison, carried out by evolutionary biologists at the University of …. Original article  : Tibetans underwent ‘fastest genetic change’ in human history to thrive at high altitude.

IPads, TVs could soon be rolled up like newspapers

MELBOURNE – New-age gadgets like Apple’s iPads and televisions could soon be rolled up like newspapers, thanks to a new technology being developed by researchers in Australia and Italy.

Researchers at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne University and Italy’s University of Padua were using laser technology to make products – including televisions, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Having BFFs helps female baboons live longer

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that female baboons that maintain closer ties with other members of their troop live substantially longer than do those whose social bonds are less stable.

The researchers say that the findings add to evidence in animals from mice to humans that social bonds have real adaptive value.

“Our results suggest … Original source on Gaea Times at : Having BFFs helps female baboons live longer.

Man in the moon has ‘graphite whiskers’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have established the presence of graphite, a form of carbon, in a lunar sample collected by Apollo 17. The new analysis also revealed that graphite has existed on the Moon from around 3.8 billion years ago, when the lunar surface came under heavy bombarded by meteorites.

The research appears in the journal Science.

Until …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man in the moon has ‘graphite whiskers’.

Scientists identify gene regulating human brain development

WASHINGTON – Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a single gene that seems to be a master regulator of human brain development, guiding undifferentiated stem cells down tightly defined pathways to becoming all of the many types of cells that make up the brain.

The new finding is important because it reveals the main [..] Read the original article: here.

Essence Music Fest, educators and cleanup crews fill New Orleans over the 4th of July holiday

Essence Fest helps sustain New Orleans amid spill

NEW ORLEANS – For all the talk of the BP oil spill scaring tourists away from Louisiana and the beaches of Mississippi, Alabama and western Florida, one city in the region has stayed full of visitors since the crisis began.
New Orleans has seen steady convention traffic and a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Anaesthetic agent major contributor to global warming: Study

WASHINGTON – Inhaled anaesthetics widely used for surgery-particularly the anaesthetic desflurane – are a major contributor to global warming, according to a new study.

Dr. Susan M. Ryan of University of California and computer scientist Claus J. Nielsen of University of Oslo said that sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane are recognized greenhouse gases.

Using desflurane for one hour …. Original article  : Anaesthetic agent major contributor to global warming: Study.

Killer whales shed new light on human menopause

WASHINGTON – A new research on killer whales could help solve the evolutionary mystery of menopause.

Scientists at the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge have found that killer whales, pilot whales and humans are the only three known species where females experience menopause.

The study cites the reason as increasing genetic relations with those they live, in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Killer whales shed new light on human menopause.

Acupuncture boosts exercise tolerance in heart patients

WASHINGTON – A new study indicates that acupuncture can improve exercise tolerance in patients suffering from chronic heart failure.

Dr. Johannes Backs, physician and study director at the Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology – Medical Director: Professor Dr. Hugo Katus) of Heidelberg University Hospital conducted the clinical pilot study.

Patients with this disease … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Acupuncture boosts exercise tolerance in heart patients.

Russia builds world’s largest telescope in Antarctica

Moscow, July 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The construction of the world’s largest telescope, worth $271 million, will be completed in 2011, Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

“The telescope’s size exceeds the overall height of the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Shanghai World Financial Centre,” Roscosmos said.
The IceCube telescope designed by researchers … Original source on Gaea Times at : Russia builds world’s largest telescope in Antarctica.

Hepatitis C-related virus in Asian bats could cut human infections

WASHINGTON – A virus related to hepatitis C, found in Asian bats, could offer insights into the origins of the hepatitis C virus and into the mechanisms by which infectious diseases move from other species to humans, according to researchers.

Transmitted by blood transfusion or sexual intercourse, hepatitis C is a common cause of liver failure. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hepatitis C-related virus in Asian bats could cut human infections.

Genes behind whether you’ll live till 100 discovered

LONDON – A mix of around 150 variations in DNA sequence could act as an effective predictor of whether a person has the genetic artillery to live up to 100 years, researchers have found.

The finding is the result of a trawl through the genomes of more than 1,000 centenarians, scouring about 300,000 sequence variations for … Read more »».

Anti-aging supplement a fountain of hope for wannabe mums

WASHINGTON – An over-the-counter anti-aging supplement could be a fountain of hope for women who want to become mothers, revealed a Tel Aviv University study.

Prof. Adrian Shulman of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Meir Medical Center has found a statistical connection between the over-the-counter vitamin supplement DHEA, used to counter the … Original article on : Anti-aging supplement a fountain of hope for wannabe mums.

Highways, roads to go green in Himachal

SHIMLA – Highways in Himachal Pradesh are all set to go green with the government planning to start a massive plantation drive this month along the major roads, an official said here Friday.

“To make the roads in the state commuter’s delight, we are going to introduce the concept of blooming highways,” a government spokesperson told …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Marijuana derivative may ease neuropathic pain sans side effects

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a new compound similar to the active component of marijuana (cannabis) can provide effective pain relief without the mental and physical side effects of cannabis.

The synthetic cannabinoid (cannabis-related) compound, called MDA19, seems to avoid the side effects by acting mainly on one specific subtype of the cannabinoid receptor.

“MDA19 … Read more »».

Genetic discovery could lead to baldness cure

WASHINGTON – Baldness, a trauma for men and women alike, could finally be cured – thanks to a new discovery by researchers.

Researchers have linked alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair thinning and hair loss, to eight genes, which are also related to other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and typ-1 diabetes, Health Day …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wait for monsoon continues in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites will have to wait a few more days to enjoy monsoon showers. The capital is expected to receive light showers Friday but the day temperature will remain high, a weather official said.

The city Friday recorded a minimum of 27.7 degrees Celsius – normal for this time of the season. …. Source article  : Wait for monsoon continues in Delhi.

Anger triggers people’s support for wartime presidents

WASHINGTON – Anger, not anxiety, is what makes people supportive of a president when a nation is going to war-a phenomenon known as the “rally ’round the flag effect”, according to a study based in US.

For the first time, a new experimental psychology research from Washington University in St. Louis, has offered compelling evidence …. Source  : Anger triggers people’s support for wartime presidents.

Sabertooth tigers were powerful animals

WASHINGTON – Saber-toothed tigers, which existed 10,000 years ago, had exceptionally strong forelimbs to pin down their prey compared to the present day cat family.

The now extinct cat roamed North and South America preying on large mammals such as bison, camels, mastodons and mammoths.
Telltale clues from bones and teeth suggest they relied on …. Original article  : Sabertooth tigers were powerful animals.

Soon, insect-like robots that crawl into creeks and carry heavy loads

WASHINGTON – An insect-like robot with hundreds of tiny legs could soon crawl through cracks to explore collapsed structures, collect environmental samples and do other tasks where its small size is a benefit.

The past few years have given rise to a growing number of microrobots, miniaturized mobile machines designed to perform specific tasks.

But … Read more : Soon, insect-like robots that crawl into creeks and carry heavy loads.

Our brains much more similar to birds’ than we thought

WASHINGTON – It has long been believed that the brains of humans and other mammals differed from the brains of other animals, such as birds. But a new study has found that a comparable region in the brains of chickens concerned … Read : Our brains much more similar to birds’ than we thought.

Men ‘like women with small feet’

LONDON – Men prefer women with small feet – though they might not be aware of it, says a new study.

Jeremy Atkinson, an evolutionary psychologist at the University at Albany, New York, and his colleague Michelle Rowe measured hand length, foot length, thigh length and hip width on … Read : Men ‘like women with small feet’.

What do astronauts eat in space?

WASHINGTON – Fascinated by space and the astronauts? Then you would be happy to know what exactly they eat for survival when in space.

According to NASA’s Vickie Kloeris, the menu for astronauts is expansive, provided food items can survive microbe-killing heat treatment or complete dehydration.

“We’re able to provide a wide variety of products in thermal-stabilized …. Original source  : What do astronauts eat in space?.

Air pollution doesn’t increase risk of preterm delivery

WASHINGTON – Exposure to carbon monoxide and fine particles in the air during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm delivery or preeclampsia, according to a new study.

The research was conducted in the region around Seattle, Wash., using data from 3,675 women who were enrolled in the Omega Study, an investigation of the effects … Read : Air pollution doesn’t increase risk of preterm delivery.

Divorce ‘may be better for kids’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that parents shouldn’t stay in a bad marriage for the sake of their children.

In marriages with a lot of conflict, ’staying together for the kids’ does more harm than good, say researchers.

Their study showed that children of parents who fight a lot yet stay married experience more conflict [..] Read the original article: here.

Even a USB coffee-cup warmer ‘can steal your data’

LONDON – A USB coffee cup warmer could be a potential thief and steal personal data from your computer, say engineers.

A glitch in how the Universal Serial Bus (USB) works, could make many of the devices attached to your computer, like mouse, keyboard and even the printer, vulnerable to what is called the “hardware trojan”.

Until … Original article on : Even a USB coffee-cup warmer ‘can steal your data’.

Classical music stirs vegetative patients’ souls just as healthy people

LONDON – It is said ‘music pulls the heartstrings of listeners’, and a new study has proven it right by claiming that playing classical music to vegetative patients could change their heart rate in the same way as that of healthy controls.
It suggests that music can affect the neural systems of emotion even when conscious … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Classical music stirs vegetative patients’ souls just as healthy people.

Males who can shed tears really can drive females wild

WASHINGTON – Shedding a tear really can help males attract females – at least when it comes to mice.

A new study has shown that male mouse tears contain a sex pheromone called ESP1, which makes female mice more receptive to mounting, reports National Geographic.

Study co-author Kazushige Touhara of the University of Tokyo, said that while …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Males who can shed tears really can drive females wild.

A car for the blind by next year

LONDON – A car which can be driven by the people without eyesight could be available by next year, The Telegraph newspaper said here quoting US researchers.

Experts at the National Federation of the Blind and Virginia Tech are working on a prototype equipped with technology that will help a sightless person sit behind the wheel …. Source  : A car for the blind by next year.

Heat still on, Delhi eagerly awaits monsoon

NEW DELHI – Delhi is set for another sweltering day Saturday with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 40 degrees Celsius. While the city still eagerly awaits the monsoon, a thunderstorm is likely in some areas, a weather official said.

The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 30.5 degrees Saturday – three notches above normal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Heat still on, Delhi eagerly awaits monsoon.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, as Nixon adviser, warned of global warming in 1969 memo

Moynihan, as Nixon aide, warned of global warming

YORBA LINDA, Calif. – Documents released Friday by the Nixon Presidential Library show members of President Richard Nixon’s inner circle discussing the possibilities of global warming more than 30 years ago.
Adviser Daniel Patrick Moynihan, notable as a Democrat in the administration, urged the administration to initiate a worldwide … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Daniel Patrick Moynihan, as Nixon adviser, warned of global warming in 1969 memo.

Russian cargo spaceship fails to dock with ISS

MOSCOW – Russian cargo spaceship Progress M-06M, which blasted off two days ago from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, failed to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) Friday night, the Mission Control Centre said.

The centre said there was “uncontrollable rotation” during the docking attempt, but there was no emergency situation on board the spacecraft. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Russian cargo spaceship fails to dock with ISS.

Stinky, slimy algae makes water unsafe at Ohio’s ‘other Great Lake,’ harming fish, tourism

Ohio lake’s algae dangerous to swimmers, economy

ST. MARYS, Ohio – Patches of green and turquoise slime floated like thick paint in the channel behind Kyle Biesel’s home. His pontoon boat sat covered up, unused for weeks, on a wooden lift stained by the algae.
A foul smell enveloped the backyard where he used to fish and …. Original article  : Stinky, slimy algae makes water unsafe at Ohio’s ‘other Great Lake,’ harming fish, tourism.

On the oil-stained Gulf Coast, July Fourth will come and go with a whimper and not a bang

Gulf Coast is expecting a glum Fourth of July

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. – Fireworks displays have been canceled. White-sand beaches that should be crowded with sunbathers are instead dotted with cleanup workers, booms and sand-sifting equipment. Normally packed hotels are trying to fill rooms ahead of what is a crucial weekend for beach businesses.
Across the oil-stained …. Read the original article  : On the oil-stained Gulf Coast, July Fourth will come and go with a whimper and not a bang.

Never drag a bag of old clothes through the subway again, bins to be provided

New York to implement clothing recycling program

NEW YORK – Here’s the truth about fashion: It changes quickly. So what do you do when you’re stuck with a closet full of barely worn shirts, dresses and shoes?
Starting in September, New York City will launch one of the largest textile recycling initiatives in the nation. The aim …. Read the original article  : Never drag a bag of old clothes through the subway again, bins to be provided.

EPA says no federal water permit needed for Kennecott nickel, copper mine in Upper Peninsula

EPA: No fed permit needed for Upper Peninsula mine

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. doesn’t need a federal permit to build a nickel and copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a letter to the company made public Friday.
EPA previously said that federal approval was required for the … Original article on : EPA says no federal water permit needed for Kennecott nickel, copper mine in Upper Peninsula.

Unmanned Russian supply ship fails to dock with International Space Station

Supply ship fails to dock with space station

MOSCOW – An unmanned Russian space capsule carrying supplies to the International Space Station failed in a docking attempt, Russian Mission Control and NASA said Friday.
The Progress space capsule is carrying more than two tons of food, water and other supplies for the orbiting laboratory. Three Russian and … Read more >>>.

Coming soon: Smart cars that will report accidents to authorities

LONDON – Scientists are developing intelligent cars that can alert and send useful information to authorities during an accident.

The cars, fitted with aircraft-style black boxes, can send video footage and information about driving behaviour during accidents to the police and insurance companies.

The car, being developed at Intel, will record information about the vehicle … Original article on : Coming soon: Smart cars that will report accidents to authorities.

Smart cars with black boxes

LONDON – Computer scientists in the US are developing technology that will transform cars into intelligent vehicles fitted with aircraft-style black boxes that can record information about driving behaviour during accidents.

The car, which is being developed by researchers at computer chip giant Intel, will record information about the vehicle speed, steering and braking along … Read more >>>.

Bangladesh needs tougher law to save Royal Bengal tigers

DHAKA – Wildlife enthusiasts here have mooted tougher laws, like the ones India proposes to have, to save between 300 and 500 Royal Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans.

The punishment provided in the Bangladesh Wildlife Act is a maximum of two years imprisonment with a maximum fine of Tk 2,000 ($28.8). This needs to be revised [..] Read the original article: here.

Pregnant women ’should routinely take vitamin D supplements’

LONDON – Pregnant women should take vitamin D supplements on a daily basis, say researchers in the UK.

According to the team at University College London Institute of Child Health, official bodies currently offer conflicting advice.

The Department of Health in the UK suggests pregnant women to ensure they receive a certain level of vitamin D …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pregnant women ’should routinely take vitamin D supplements’.

Rains cool Delhi, monsoon not far away

NEW DELHI – A light drizzle cooled Delhi down by several notches Sunday morning. The weatherman forecast more showers, adding that the monsoon wasn’t too far away.

The light drizzle was due to low pressure building up over Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and it is gradually moving towards the capital, an official of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rains cool Delhi, monsoon not far away.

TV signals caused Russian rocket to miss ISS: NASA

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON – Television signals caused a Russian cargo rocket to miss its rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS), NASA officials said Saturday.

The engineers indicated they would avoid activating the system during Sunday’s second attempt to dock, NASA officials said.
The Progress 38 cargo rocket missed its rendezvous with the ISS by three km late … Read more »»».

New US Air Force satellite will monitor increasing number of satellites, debris in Earth orbit

New satellite will monitor debris in Earth orbit

DENVER – A new U.S. Air Force satellite will provide better surveillance of hundreds of satellites and thousands of pieces of space debris that could crash into American assets circling the Earth.
If all goes as planned, the $500 million Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite will have an unobstructed view …. Read the original article  : here.

Deep in Congo forest, exploding bushmeat trade threatens Pygmies’ way of life

In Congo forest, bushmeat trade threatens Pygmies
THE ITURI FOREST, Congo – They emerge from the stillness of the rainforest like a lost tribe of prehistoric warriors forgotten by time – a barefoot band of Mbuti Pygmies wielding iron-tipped spears.
The men come first, cloaked head to toe in coiled …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Deep in Congo forest, exploding bushmeat trade threatens Pygmies’ way of life.

Sultry Saturday for Delhi, monsoon likely next week

NEW DELHI – Delhi experienced a hot and humid day Saturday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures two and three notches, respectively, above average, weather officials said. Respite is in sight, however, with the monsoon expected to hit the capital next week.

While the minimum settled at 30.5 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sultry Saturday for Delhi, monsoon likely next week.

High altitude mice make efficient use of little oxygen

TORONTO – Mice make optimum use of little oxygen at high altitudes during exercise, according to Canadian and Peruvian scientists, who are keen to establish whether a similar strategy exists in humans that have evolved at high altitudes.

“Andean mouse species have independently evolved a strategy to maximise energy yield when little oxygen is available,” explain …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : High altitude mice make efficient use of little oxygen.

Russian spaceship ready to dock with ISS again

Moscow, July 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian cargo spaceship Progress M-06M which failed to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) Friday is ready for yet another attempt Sunday.

The orbit of the spaceship will be adjusted twice to ensure a successful docking, a source at the Mission Control Center said.
Friday’s docking for the Progress M-06M, …. Original source  : Russian spaceship ready to dock with ISS again.

New iPhone apps for ‘Twilight’ fans to sink their teeth into

NEW YORK – ‘Twilight’ fans, who have not had enough of the franchise, can now satiate their appetite with a few new iPhone applications.

According to MTV Mulitplayer, GameHouse has released two apps – just in time for Twi-hards to play while waiting on line for the newest film.

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Game’ lets users … Read more : New iPhone apps for ‘Twilight’ fans to sink their teeth into.

Humans as predators led to the extinction of woolly mammoths

WASHINGTON – Life scientists have found what led to the extinction of woolly mammoths and other large mammals more than 10,000 years ago- entry of humans as predators.

Researchers have said that the same type of cascade of ecosystem disruption that is being caused today by the global decline of predators such as wolves, cougars and … Read more : Humans as predators led to the extinction of woolly mammoths.

Halting carbon dioxide emissions cannot avert climate change

WASHINGTON – With carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air approaching alarming levels, even halting emissions altogether may not be enough to avert catastrophic climate change. Could scrubbing carbon dioxide from the air be a viable solution?

A new study by Carnegie Institution scientists suggests that while removing excess CO2 would cool the planet, carbon cycle complexities …. Source  : Halting carbon dioxide emissions cannot avert climate change.

Cellphones are as good forensic tools as fingerprints

WASHINGTON – Cellphones and other mobile devices are as much reliable as fingerprints for criminal investigations, according to a study.

Clues to crimes today are as likely to be found by examining the data stored in a cellphone or other mobile device as they are by dusting a crime scene for fingerprints. …. Source article  : Cellphones are as good forensic tools as fingerprints.

New discovery takes scientists a step closer to quantum computers

LONDON – Taking a step nearer to quantum computers, University of Maryland researchers have used a unique hybrid nanostructure to show a new type of light-matter interaction.

They also demonstrated the first full quantum control of qubit spin within very tiny colloidal … Original source on Gaea Times at : New discovery takes scientists a step closer to quantum computers.

Wallabies, bats harbour ‘fossil’ genes from deadly human viruses

WASHINGTON – Modern marsupials, like wallabies and bats, harbour a “fossil” copy of a gene that codes for filoviruses, which cause Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers and are the most lethal viruses known to humans, revealed University at Buffalo biologists.

The study … Read more : Wallabies, bats harbour ‘fossil’ genes from deadly human viruses.

Why one should never arm-wrestle a saber-toothed tiger

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found why saber-toothed tigers were a force to reckon with when it came to arm wrestling.

A new study has revealed that saber-toothed cats-best known for their supersized canines- also had exceptionally strong forelimbs for pinning prey before delivering the fatal bite.

Commonly called …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Why one should never arm-wrestle a saber-toothed tiger.

Beware of Internet-based medicine info

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the quality of online information about the most common sports medicine diagnoses varies widely.

Therefore, patients who use the Internet to help make medical decisions need to know that the web may not be giving the whole picture, suggests the study.

“The reason that we decided to undertake this …. Source  : Beware of Internet-based medicine info.

World must expect more oil spills, says scientist

WASHINGTON – The world should expect more disasters like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as the days of easy oil are over, a scientist says.

“BP and other oil companies have tried to portray this spill as an accident or an aberration, but in fact there are spills on off-shore and on-shore sites …. Source article  : World must expect more oil spills, says scientist.